Kenny Cunningham believes the Republic of Ireland will face a tougher test against the Czech Republic tonight than they did in last month's friendly against Brazil.

Ireland continue their build-up to the start of the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign by facing the country with the best record in Europe at Lansdowne Road.

The Czechs are undefeated in their last 20 internationals dating back to November 2001 and the visitors should be almost at full-strength as they prepare for Euro 2004, a marked contrast to Ireland.

This match follows the creditable goalless draw at home to world champions Brazil and captain Cunningham sees it as a harder task.

"This game does not have the same magical appeal as the Brazil game but I think they will be a sterner test than the Brazilians," said the Birmingham defender.

"They are very strong with a physical edge to them, they are very well organised and move the ball around very well. They have proved over the last couple of years what a good side they are, they are a difficult side to get to who don't concede many goals.

"This is a really big test for us - probably bigger than some people imagine."

Ireland boss Brian Kerr is planning to experiment as much as possible, within reason, against the Czechs, but there will be no players making their debuts at the start of the night.

"I would say there are three main objectives from this game," said Kerr. "That I learn more about the players; we play well; and we get a good result. I would settle for those three.

"There have been very few games where we could experiment up until now, but it is important that in the friendly games we keep the balance of experience in the team that is required to get a performance and result we would all be happy with.

"This is not one for throwing caution to the wind and throwing people into the match.

"We could approach it that way but when we are playing the best teams I think it is fair to the public that we try to put out as good a team as we possibly can.

"The last couple of results have upped the confidence and there is a good feeling around the team and the public.

"We have 21 enthusiastic players wanting to play and it depends on how the game goes but we'd like to use more players than we did against Brazil."